Student Spotlight: Kendi Long '26

Equine Student Gains National Experience Through American Horse Council Internship 

By Faith Crawford ’26 

An internship is an important part of any student’s transition from education to a successful future. At Wilson College, students have access to supportive career services that provide unique connections and hands-on opportunities, helping them translate academics into action. During the Fall 2025 semester, Wilson College senior Kendi Long completed her internship with the American Horse Council, gaining national-level experience in the equine field and new insight into the industry.  

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This competitive internship offered Long the opportunity to combine her knowledge of the equine field with her academic experience in communications and outreach work. Wilson’s liberal arts education prepares students to apply a wide range of skills to any new opportunity. Students graduate with an understanding not only of their field but also with exceptional communication and critical thinking skills, which are necessary in any industry. 

Long is currently majoring in equine studies with a concentration in equine management, and she also has interests in environmental studies and entrepreneurship. Throughout her internship, Long was able to apply what she learned in her classes to her work with the American Horse Council. 

The American Horse Council is a national organization that represents and advocates for the equine industry across the United States. Its work focuses not only on the welfare of horses but also on advocating for the equine industry in legislative, economic, and social capacities. An internship at the council is an exceptional opportunity for any equine student hoping to make national connections and participate in meaningful work in the industry. 

Throughout the internship, Long was responsible for a recruitment campaign to generate new members for the council through online communications. Although Long completed the internship remotely, it still allowed her to explore social media management, graphic design, and data entry. According to Long, raising awareness and building social outreach in the equine industry allowed her to gain experience in a different side of the industry. She noted that “seeing how it works behind the scenes” helped her to grow both as a student and an equine professional. 

Long felt the internship prepared her for life after graduation, especially as she becomes more interested in the business side of the equine world and begins exploring the legislative aspects of the industry. The foundation of her education and the Wilson community in the Equine Studies Program played an important role. Long said, “The instruction at Wilson in both my majors and minors prepared me to work professionally in the equine industry with confidence and showed me different options for my future.”